[06/08/10 - 11:37 AM]AMC Signs Unprecedented Deal with FOX International Channels for All International Rights to Original Series "The Walking Dead"AMC will premiere "The Walking Dead" this October, followed by a global premiere across FIC.

[via press release from AMC]

AMC's ''The Walking Dead'' Goes

AMC Signs Unprecedented Deal With Fox International Channels for all International Rights to Original Series "The Walking Dead".

Deal Marks First-Time FIC has Picked up International Rights to a Series Beyond it's Own Channels

New York, NY/Los Angeles, CA - June 8, 2010 - AMC and Fox International Channels (FIC) announced today an unprecedented partnership whereby FIC has picked up all International Television and Home Video rights to AMC's first wholly-owned original production series, "The Walking Dead," based on a popular comic book franchise by Robert Kirkman. The deal includes a first-run window on all FIC's outlets in addition to full distribution rights for the life of the series, outside of the U.S. and Canada.

"'The Walking Dead' represents a real transformation for AMC as it marks the first time we are operating as both a studio and a network, and this partnership underscores a game-changing expansion in our business, brand and programming model," said Charlie Collier, AMC's president. "FIC's ability to act as a global programmer for this series as well as a worldwide distributor allows us to maximize the viewership and global interest in this one-of-a-kind property."

"This partnership represents FIC's ongoing commitment to securing high quality content on a global level by collaborating with leading networks like AMC," said David Haslingden, CEO of FOX International Channels. "This deal marks the first time that we are picking up all international rights. This will allow us to optimize the launch, marketing and distribution of the show by working with our affiliates and with other channels around the World. It's the beginning of a new era for FIC."

AMC will premiere season one of "The Walking Dead" this October, followed by a global premiere across FIC. "The Walking Dead" season one consists of six one-hour episodes.

"'The Walking Dead'" is a groundbreaking project with clear global appeal," said Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP of Global Development. "It mixes dread and suspense with human drama, creating a "must watch" TV experience. We are looking forward to helping drive its success using our creative capabilities and wide international reach."

FIC is already in discussions with several potential International distributors interested in selling these rights to TV broadcasters and other international media platforms. AMC and FIC are joining marketing forces in order to maximize worldwide exposure and awareness for the series, which is currently in production in Atlanta, Georgia.

"The Walking Dead" tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive.

"The Walking Dead" is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. Kirkman serves as an executive producer on the project and three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) serves as writer, director and executive producer. Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, serves as Executive Producer. David Alpert from Circle of Confusion serves as Executive Producer. Charles "Chic" Eglee (Dexter, The Shield, Dark Angel) serves as Executive Producer.

About AMC

AMC reigns as the only network to ever win the Golden Globe� Award for Best Television Series - Drama three years in a row and the only basic cable network to win back-to-back Primetime Emmy� Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade from the most comprehensive library or creating acclaimed original productions, the AMC experience is an uncompromising celebration of great stories. AMC's original stories include the Emmy� Award-winning dramas Mad Men and Breaking Bad, and insightful non-scripted programming such as AMC News. AMC further demonstrates its commitment to the art of storytelling with curated movie franchises like AMC Hollywood Icon and AMC Complete Collection. Available in more than 95 million homes (Source: Nielsen Media Research), AMC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, which includes sister networks IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv and Wedding Central. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Story Matters HereSM.

About FOX International Channels

FOX International Channels (FIC) is News Corporation's international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 183 wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports and movie channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 35 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 300 million subscribing households (875 million cumulative) worldwide. We also operate a global online advertising unit, .FOX (pronounced "dot-fox") specialized in online video and display, and four TV production houses. In operation since: August 14, 1993.